Chapter 5

SELENE WOLFE POV

As we approached the territory of the Darkwood Pack, a sense of trepidation settled over me. The landscape had a haunting familiarity, and my heart raced as we drove deeper into the woods. Orion, Beta Jaxon, Gamma Lysandra and I had made the journey, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and anger.

The meeting had been arranged at a neutral clearing, deep within the Darkwood territory, and we arrived in a modest convoy of cars. As we stepped out, the silence was deafening. I could feel the weight of the eyes upon me, and the air was thick with tension. It seemed as if

every tree and leaf held a memory, both good and bad.

I took a deep breath and tried to appear composed, walking beside Orion. Jaxon followed closely behind, and I knew that the Silver Pack had my back. The hushed whispers from the Darkwood wolves were impossible to ignore. "It's Selene, the one who left."

"Is that the Alpha of the Silver Pack? What are they doing here?" I could feel the eyes of the Darkwood Pack members on me, their gazes filled with curiosity

and suspicion.

My history with the Darkwood Pack was one of conflict and betrayal, and my return was undoubtedly a shock to them. We reached the agreed upon clearing, where a few Darkwood wolves were waiting. Among them was Xander and Xavier, who I had once considered my brother. Xavier's gaze met mine, and for a brief moment, I saw a hint of guilt in his eyes.

Orion took the lead, stepping forward with confidence. "I am Alpha Orion of the Silver Pack," he announced. "We have come to discuss your proposal for an alliance. This is Selene, one of our own." Xavier nodded in acknowledgment and then turned his attention to me. "Selene, it's been a long time," he said with a touch of regret in his voice. I nodded, my jaw clenched.

"Xavier"

The tension in the clearing was palpable, and it was clear that the Darkwood Pack members were struggling to accept my presence.

Their pack had once been my home, but I had left

for a reason, and my departure had left wounds that were slow to heal. A male wolf from the Darkwood Pack, Rylan, spoke up, his tone hesitant. "Why did you leave, Selene? We were like family."

I took a moment to compose my response, choosing my words carefully. "Family? I left

because I couldn't stay in a place where my loyalty and trust were betrayed. I needed a fresh

start, and the Silver Pack welcomed me."

Orion stepped in, his voice firm. "We are open to discussing the possibility of an alliance, but

we need assurance that our interests will be protected."

Xander nodded, his expression troubled. "I understand. We have our reasons for seeking an alliance as well. Our territory has been under threat from rogue wolves, and we believe a united front would benefit both packs."

The discussion continued, and it was clear that both packs had valid concerns and motivations for the proposed alliance. Despite the tension, a semblance of progress was made during the meeting, and we agreed to further negotiations.

As the gathering came to a close, Orion turned to me and whispered, "Selene, are you okay?" I nodded, though my emotions were a turbulent storm beneath the surface. "I'll be fine. This place brings back memories, but I won't let it break me." Orion squeezed my shoulder in a reassuring gesture. "We'll get through this, together."

After being shown to our rooms, we returned to a designated dining hall for dinner. The atmosphere was more formal. The room was well-lit, and conversations were held in hushed tones, signaling the significance of the gathering. I took my place next to Orion, and my brothers, Xavier and Xander, sat at the other end of the table.

The distance between us emphasized the formal

nature of the meal, and the air was thick with a sense of expectation. The dinner proceeded with minimal interaction between the packs. We were served a well prepared meal, and the conversations around us were polite but restrained. It was evident that the alliance talks were the primary focus of the evening. Xavier and Xander kept their words to a minimum, aware of the gravity of the situation.

There was an unspoken tension in the room, a

reminder of the unresolved past between me and my brothers. Orion, in his role as Alpha, spoke briefly, acknowledging the importance of the alliance and the potential benefits for both packs. The meal continued with members of both packs focused on their food and the discussions about the alliance.

As we were concluding the formal dinner, Damon walked in and I didn't even look at him until he started jabbing me with words. I immediately stood up and walked out with Orion following me. In the quiet darkness outside the dining hall, Orion and I had a moment of solitude to process the harsh words Damon had just delivered.

I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming mix of emotions, and the sting of his words still hung in the air. Orion, ever the source of strength and comfort, looked into my eyes and said, "Selene, I know Damon's words were painful. But remember, you are not defined by this rejection. And it doesn't change who you

are or the value you bring to the Silver Pack."I nodded, grateful for his support. "I

understand, Orion. It's just...."Orion's eyes softened, and he gently brushed a strand of hair

from my face. "I know, my love. But we'll address this matter privately, and we'll find a way

to move forward.

Your strength and resilience have brought us to this point, and they will

see us through whatever challenges lie ahead."

"Selene, I know it's been a tough evening," he said with a warm smile, offering me the bowl,

"but how about some ice cream to sweeten your spirits?" and I jumped in excitement.